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(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

W. S. HULL & J. 0. ANDERSON. ELECTRIC RAILWAY SWITCH AND ALARM.

No. 399,331. Patented Mar. 12, 1889.

Swap/44 6005 4 Sheets Sheet 2. W. S. HULL & J. G. ANDERSON. ELECTRIC RAILWAY SWITCH AND ALARM.

Patented'Mar. 12, 1889.

(No M el.)

(No Model.) 4 eeeeeeeeee et 3. W. S. HULL & J. C. ANDERSON. ELECTRIC RAILWAY SWITUH AND ALARM.

N0. 399,331. 7 Patented Mar. 12, 1889.

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I1 I 'E (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

W. S. HULL & J. G; ANDERSON. ELECTRIC RAILWAY SWITCH AND ALARM.

No. 399,331. Patented Mar. 12, 1889.

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@bbozmig NITED STATES PATENT OrFicE.

ILLIAM S. HULL, OF SHEFFIELD, ALABAMA, AND JAMES t. ANDERSON, OF CHARLESTON, NORTH CAROLINA.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SWITCH AND ALARM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 399,831, dated March 12, 1889.

Application filed May 21, 1888. Serial No. 274,526. (No motleln To all 207mm it nwy concern.- her of notches formed in the hub is made to Be it known that we, \VILLLUI HULL, reconform to the number of throws which. the siding at: Shet'ticld, in the county of Colbert, switch is designed to have. 1 n this instance State of Alabama, and JAMES t. ANDERSON, it is provided with two notches or slots, as 5 residing at Charleston, in theeountyof Swain, for the purpose of illustrating our invention State of North Carolina, both citizens of the a two-throw switch is sut'ticieut, although it United States, have invented certain new and is stated that the same may by the exercise usel'ul Improvements in Electric Railway of mechanical skill be adapted to switches Switches and Alarms, of which the following 5 having more throws.

I0 is a specification, reference being had therein \Vithin the ease, and rig-idly secured to the to the accompanying drawings. switch-mast (i, is a halt pinion, 123. In case This invention has relation to railway the inventicm is applied to a switch having switches and alarms. more than two throws the teeth of the pin- Among' the objects in view are to provide ion may extend entirely around. the same,

15 an electrical and mechanical construction i and any geared raclebar or switch-bar cowhich will not only serve the purpose of inl operating therewith would be properly prodicating any displacement of the switches, portioned thereto. So, also, in giving addibut which shall also be adapted for convey- 5 tional reciprocation to a switch-bar the size of mg messages back and forth between the oi' the pinion may be increased.

20 flee or other place and the switch-stand; furl lxtending longitudinally in the case, and thermore, to prevent so far as possible misj provided with teeth adapted to mesh with the takes upon the part of the switclnnan in the pinion l3,is a switch bar or rod, 14, formed in 7 manner of using the apparatus involved. V sections and pivoted together, as at 15, within Other objects and advantages of theinveni the case; or it maybe entirely without the 25 tion will hereinafter appear, and the novel same. Thebarliisprovidedwitharecess,1(l, features thereof will be part ieularly pointed (see Fig. 6,) for the reception of thebolt 17 of out in the claims. a lock, 18, which is arranged within the case Referring to the drawings, l igure 1 is a and adapted to be reached by a key passing side elevation, Fig. 2 a transverse vertical through a hole, 19, formed in the wall of the 30 section, Fig". 33 a transverse horizontal section, case in proximity to the lock, to which wall. and Fig. 5 a vertical horizontal section, of a the lock is secured. Suitable guide-plates, 2 switch-box and its contained. mechanism confor the bar 1; are formed within the case, structed in accordance with our invention. 5 upon which thebar reciprocates, and by which Fig. 4 is an elevation of the lock detached, 1 it is held in mesh with the pinion.

3 5 showing its interior construction. Figs. 6 and A washer, 21, may be arranged at the end 7 are details of the switch bar or rod. Fig. of the bar and about that portion thereof 8 is a vertical section, and Fig. 9 a horizontal pivotallyconnected therewith, t'orthe purpose section, of the alarm mechanism located at of preventing the entrance of dirt, dust, and. the main office or other point. j moisture. The switch-mast is provided with 40 Similar numeralsof referenceiudicate simr the usual operating hand-wheel, 22, and

lar parts in all the figures of the drawings. lamp and signals, the two latter not being 1 represents a east-metal or other case, shown. 9 which is adapted by bolts 2 to be secured to As thus far described, it is clear that a rothe switch head-block. The cover of the case tation of the switch-mast will cause a recip- 45 3 is secured by bolts i and provided with a rocation of the switch-bar, and that the recess boss, 5,through'which a bearingis formed for 16 therein will be immediately above the bolt the switch-shaft 6, the lowerend of said shaft of the lock 18, so that the same may be sebeing seated in a bearing, 7, formed in the cured against further reciprocation. The parts bottom of the box. The hub 5 is provided I occupy this position when the main line is 50 with notches or slots 8 for the reception of a l complete or closed. \Vhen the side trackis locking-dog,9, pivoted at 10 to a collar, 11, I connected with the main line or the switch secured to the switch-mastby a set-screw, open, the end of the bar it abuts against a bolt, or other suitable device, 12. The numl solid portion, 23, of the wall of the case.

One of the principles of the invention is se cured by constructing the lock in such a manner that the key can be removed therefrom only when the bolt 17 is projected from the lock-case, and therefore the switch is 'not in condition to be operated by unauthorized or evil-disposed persons. This object is accomplished in the following manncr: The belt l7 is provided with a key-bladc-receiving slot, 24, and with a detent-reccss, 25, at opposite edges of the bolt. The detent 26 is pivoted to the wall. of the lock-case, as at 27, and has an arm, 28, (see dotted lines, Fig. at.) which projects beneath the bar 17, between it and the case, and across the path of the keyblade. \Yhen the key is inserted in the hole 29 of the lock-case and turned over to the left, (taking the parts as illustrated in Fig. 4,) it first enters the slot 24-, which, when the bolt is thrown out of the case, is in the position shown by dotted lines, comes in contact with the arm 28 of the detent, lifting the end thereof out of the recess 25, and then comes in contact with, the walls of the slot 2 1 and brings the bolt into the case. The parts are now in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4, and it is apparent that the key cannot be withdrawn, as its blade lies against a solid portion of the lock-case, and that it is necessary to turn it into alignment with the keyhole in order to withdraw it, whereby in such return movement the switch will become locked. Furthermore, the locking of the switch for the purpose of removing the key cannot be accomplished except the recess 16 be in position above the lock, and therefore except the main line he closed.

In connection with the mechanical features above described we employ an electrical system to attain further obj ecis of our invention. The bar 1% is provided with a binding-post, 31,, having a suitable contactpoint, 32, and from the post 31 an electricalconductor extends to the ground. To the case and insulated therefrom is secured a bracket, 31L, carrying a contact-point, 35, which is in the path of the contact-point 32 of the bindingpost 31. Contact-point 35 is connected by a conductor, 36, passing insulated through the case to a binding-post, 37, which is electrically connected with an alarm at the main or other office or point.

As th-us far described, it will be seen that when the main line is closed and c\"crything is safe an electrical circuit will be closed, and this may be utilized at the main office or other point to control any suitable signal to indicate safety, so that a displacement of the switch, the bar, the belt, or the lock, or, in fact, any defect in the electrical circuit itself, would be announced at the office or other point. This electrical connection is applicable to any switch, and is not confined to the one described.

In addition to the capabilities of the apparatus to automatically indicate at the main or other office its condition, provision is made whereby communication with the main oiiice by the switchman can be had.

It is evident that by a preconcerted arrangement a repetition of throwing the switch-bar, and consequently throwing the danger-signal into and out of sight, may be the means of conveying information from the switchman to the office, this being one of the principal. features of the invention. This object is, however, more efficiently attained by providing the lock-case 18 with an insulated binding post, 37, having a contact-poii'it, 38, projecting into the path of a contact-point, 39, mounted on and moving with the bolt 17 and electrically connected to an insulated bindlug-post, 40, and to alarm visional or audible signals at the main oftice or other point by the line -il.'l, the binding-post 37 being electrically connected by the line 4.2 with the groui'id. Now when the bolt is thrown from the lock by the key 30 contact is made between the points 38 and 39, and the alarm or indicating mechanism at the main oltice or other point may be constructed to announce that fact, andby a preconcerted arrangement of signals a repetition of acts of locking and unlocking with the key 30 serves, as a manner both convenient and simple, for conveying intelligence from the switchman to the main or other office.

In Figs. 8 and 9 are illustrated one form of signals, visible and audible, which maybe employed with the mechanism hereinbei'ore described. Fig. 8 is a vertical longitudinal section, and Fig. 9 a vertical transverse section on the line a .r of Fig. 8.

In a suitable case, a3, or in any other suitable manner for suspension, there is mounted upon adjustable pivot -bearing pins a swinging armature, 46, carrying a plate, 47, marked Danger. The armature it; is, connected by a spring, 49, with a wall of the case, the tendency of the spring being to draw the armature to such position that its plate will stand opposite a sight-opening in the wall of the case, as indicated by dotted lines 4.9, Fig. 8, so that when not otherwise influenced the armature-plate will be in sight. A pair of coils, 50, is mounted upon'an inclined partition or plate, 51, secured across one corner of the case, so that the poles of the mag; nets are presented in a position to influence the armature all when a current is flowing through the magnets. At the same side of the armature 4.6 as that at which the spring 48 is arranged is a contact-point, 52, electrically connected with the magnets of an electrioally-operatcd bell, the other wire of the circuit being" connected by a line, 5 with the armature iti, so that an audible signal of danger is provided in addition to the visional signal.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 8, it will be seen that as the binding-post 37 is connected with the binding-post 5i a circuit is established when the switch is turned to close the main line as the contact-points 32 and 35 complete the circuit with the magnets 50, which attracts the armature l6 and draws it against the tension of the spring 48, so as to throw the dangensignal out of sight. At the same time a current passes by a line, 55, independent of circuit- 54, to the magnets 53, and an audible signal is given on the bell 56. It is also readily seen that when the line 41, Fig. t, is connected with the line 57 of the electrical-bel]. magnet armature 58, which carries the hammer of the bell, is attracted and an audible signal given, and the strokes of the bell may be controlled by the number of oscillations of the key-blade-and of the bolt 17, which it operates. The two wires shown near the binding-post 54 lead from the two magnets 50, and said magnets are entirely independent of the bell mechanism, the latter being operated by the circuit connected with the lock, while the fOllllCl is connected with the circuit on the switch-bar. The wire on the magnet 53 after its exit at 5i, passes through one of the two wires shown above said magnet, according to the position of the lock at the switch, and consequent position of the danger-signal, and returns through the magnet 53 in such a direction as to increase its power, emerging at 57, as shown.

It understood that a suitable battery or other source ol' electricity is properly connected with the apparatus above described. By giving each switch a number and a similar number 1o the key oi its lock and to the alarm or signal case at the main oi'iice or other pointthe locality and identity of the switch and switchman are established, and in case of the imperfect performance of duties-for example, leaving a switch openthe presence of the key in the lock will indicate the person who has been derelict in his duty.

Various modifications and changes within the skill of persons conversant with the construction of switches and electrical apparatus may be made without departing from ourin vention.

For the purpose of rendering t he switch-bar ll adjustable, and in orderthat the railsmay be main tai ncd in perfect alignment, we form said bar in sections, as before described, the

ends of which are screwthreaded and con- 1 nected by a right and left screw-threaded 1 coupling, 15*.

Having described our invention and its operation, what we claim is- 1. In a railwayswitch, a lock for securing the operating parts in a desired position, having a bolt, l7, bearing a contact-point, and a second contact-point so placed as to touch the first when the bolt is in the locking position, in OOllllJlIltilOll with an electric alarm and a circuit connected therewith and with the two cmitact-poinls, substantially as described.

2. The mmbinaiion, with the switch-bar of a railwayswitch, of a case ineh'ising said bar, and having therein a lock for securing said bar in a desired position, contact-points on the bolt and case of said lock, and an electric circuit terminating in said points, substan* tially as described,

3. The combination, with the switch-bar of a railwa y-switch, oi. a case inclosing the same and its operating mechanism and carrying an electrical contact-point arranged in a circuit and a companion contact-point mounted on the switch-bar and electrically connected with the ground, substantially as specified.

4. In a railway-switch, a lock for securing the operative parts in a desired position, having a casing, a bolt, 17, bearing a contactl point, and a second contact-point so placed on the inside of said casing as to touch the first contact-point when the bolt is in locking position, in combination with a slot in said casing for the reception of a key, said slot so directed as only to admit of the removal of the key when the bolt is shot, and an electric alarm and circuit connected therewith and with the two contact points, substantially as described.

5. In combination with a railway-switch, circuit making and breaking devices arranged in circuit with an electrical magnet, a signal-plate carrying a pivoted armature, and an audible alarm connected with said armature, and. with a contact-point thereon, and a spring for completing the circuit of the audible signal when the armature is otherwise u n in t1 uenced, substant ially as specified.

(3. The combination, with the railwayswitch, of the case 1, having the cover 2, provided with the boss 5, perforated for a bearing for the switch-mast 6, and having notches 8, the collar 11, the dog 9, the pinion 13, switch-bar 14, and the lock 18, substantially as specified.

7. The combination, with a railwayswitch operating-bar and mast, of a case inclosing the bar and having guides for the same, and a lock for securing the bar in a desired position within the case, substantially as specificd.

The combination, with a railway-switch and its operatii'igbar, of a case provided with a lock, a detent secured to the case of the lock and adapted to take into a recess formed on the edge of the bolt when the latter is thrown from the case, and a key adapted to throw the detent out of connection with the bolt, and the latter being slotted to retain the key from witlnlrawal from the lock when the bolt is in an unlocked position, substantially as specified.

In testinumy whereof we aitix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

\IIJLLUI S. JIL'LL. JAMES C. ANDERSON.

\Vit nesses:

.I'. L. LEsTEn, GLEN DUsKIN, 1:. B. Suns, J. RABY. 

